Preparation of Fluconazole β-Cyclodextrin Complex Ocuserts: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

The main purpose of the present study was to develop ocuserts of Fluconazole β-CD (beta-cyclodextrin) complex and to evaluate both in vitro and in vivo. Fluconazole was made complex with β-CD, and the release rate was controlled by HPMC K(4)M and ethyl cellulose polymers using dibutyl Phthalate as permeability enhancer. Drug-polymer interactions were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies. The formulated ocuserts were tested for physicochemical parameters of in vitro release and in vivo permeation in rabbits. The optimized formulations (F-5 and F-8) were subjected to stability studies. The formulated ocuserts were found to have good physical characters, thickness, diameter, uniformity in weight, folding endurance, less moisture absorption, and controlled release of drug both in vitro and in vivo. The optimized formulations retained their characteristics even after stability studies. The study clearly showed that this technique was an effective way of formulating ocuserts for retaining the drug concentration at the intended site of action for a sufficient period of time and to elicit the desired pharmacological response.